I absolutely love covered buttons, and when I was thinking up new button projects for this month, I knew I wanted to make something fun with a handful of them. I thought I'd try using one of my favorite fabrics-a Denyse Schmidt print from her Katie Jump Rope collection-to decorate a simple bracelet and ring pairing. You can make your own version in any size or scale of covered buttons, using a favorite print or pattern.

Covered-button kit-one button for each bracelet link, plus one for the ring (I used a total of seven in the 3/4-inch size)

Fabric remnant of your choice

Sharp scissors and pliers

Glue (I used Aleene's 7800 Platinum Bond)

Plain buttons, one for each bracelet link and one for the ring (more on this in step 2)

Here's everything you'll need to make a bracelet and ring (plain buttons not pictured; I hadn't picked them out yet.)

1. Following the covered-button kit package directions and template, cut out the fabric circles for your buttons. Before making the covered buttons, use your pliers to remove the shank from each button backing. (You can also remove it after the buttons are finished, but I think it's easier to do it first.)

Taking the button backs' shanks off is easier to do before you create the covered buttons.

2. Create seven (or the number needed to make a bracelet and ring, one for each link) covered buttons, following the package directions. Now choose seven boring, plain sew-through buttons you will never use for another craft project that are smaller than the covered buttons-they should fit nicely into the back recess of the covered buttons to fill that empty space. Do not use cute, inspirational buttons for this step-these behind-the-scenes buttons should be workhorses, not ballerinas.

Choose boring sew-through buttons to glue into the backs of your covered buttons-make sure they fit neatly into the recess.

3. Apply a generous dab of glue right into the back of the first covered button and press a plain sew-through button into it. Repeat with the other six. Let them set until the glue is mostly or completely dry and the inner button is not easily moved.

Let the glue set before gluing the buttons onto the links and ring.

4. Once the glue is set, you'll use another generous dab of glue to attach one covered button to each link of the bracelet, and one to the ring blank. Let the glue set completely before wearing.

JacquelineLauraYoung writes: This is super great! I had never seen anything like this before and now I have something else I can do with scraps of materials. Even a necklace and earrings. Make a pendent or is it pendant and ring out of a printed fabric and the earrings and bracelet out of a matching color. Even make the beads you might want to use with the necklace in a matching color. Thanks
Posted: 6:33 pm on June 2nd

JennlovesSteve writes: this is so cute
i am going to look for the supplies tomorrow!
Posted: 10:50 pm on April 19th

susanstars writes: janaogletree, the only reason I added those extra buttons is that the covered ones have an empty space on the back instead of a flat surface. They'll glue fine (metal to metal is great) but creating flat backs with those glued-in buttons gives the covered buttons more total surface to join, instead of just the thin circle rim touching the bracelet links, so it's a sturdier piece.

You can make these without the extra step for sure, though!
Posted: 2:36 pm on March 31st

janaogletree writes: This looks great, but I have a question. Why do you glue the plastic buttons on first? Is there a problem with gluing metal to metal?
Posted: 9:43 pm on March 30th

beaderonboard writes: What a great idea.
I will give it a try soon.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted: 3:00 pm on March 22nd

lorrwill writes: Love this. I have many, many 30's reproduction quilting cotton scraps just waiting for a project like this.

oh - another source for the bracelet backs is Fire Mountain Gems: http://www.firemountaingems.com/search.asp?SKW=bracelet&Constraint=34

I had seen them there but never thought to do something like this with them. Thanks for the awesome inspiration! Once I can get one made, I will post it in the gallery.
Posted: 3:07 pm on March 21st

susanstars writes: oops, a quick correction, the silver ring from metalliferous is #JF0682W, gold is the same product number but ends with Y instead of W.
Posted: 2:35 am on March 17th

susanstars writes: ok, I'm back with the specific product #s for the blank jewelry pieces I used...

the bracelet is from eloxite.com - product #18-201, it comes in gold or silver.

the ring is from metalliferous.com - product #JF0682Y (page 105 in the downloadable catalog). It also comes in silver and in gold (#JF0682Y).

The prices vary by quantity but they are not expensive, they're base metal instead of sterling silver or gold-filled.

pattyannie, I will look for direct links or product numbers for the exact ring and bracelet blanks I used and post those as soon as I have them. You can also find some good options at http://rings-things.com.
Posted: 1:28 pm on March 15th

pattyannie writes: I love this piece , but I have to gone to the two sites you have to find the pieces to make it and can't seem to find them , even in their search of the site , what am I doing wrong , I would really love to make this
Posted: 1:10 pm on March 15th